Trying to select a precision top 25 for college basketball season in such proximity always seems as daunting as flying a blindfolded jet. You’ve got auto-pilot to help, but it would still be nice to have some idea where you’re going, you know?
Four of the top 30 prospects in the 2021 recruiting class still have not chosen whether they will play in college or not. Some of those who are likely to have to decide whether to accept attractive offers to join the G League Ignite program. Senior players must decide whether to take advantage of the additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA. Currently many of the college rosters will enter the draft, and some will remain even if they are unlikely to be selected. And, now, the transfer portal will have options regarding experienced players to play with the avalanche, and many who choose new colleges will be eligible to compete next autumn.
MORE: Baylor reminds Gonzaga of how hard it is to win
These are all unknown. There are more variables in this season than in previous seasons in which we projected the next year’s top teams during the last four weekends.
So understand: this is our best launch for now, but it is not our last.
Top 25 college basketball rankings very quickly
1. Gonzaga
End 2020-21: 31-1, NCAA runner-up
Overview: Ha, you thought they were going away! Well, some Jags will do, but they will still include promising power forwards Anton Watson and young big man Omar Ballo and guard Dominic Harris. The top-10 guard prospect Hunter Salisse did last month, and Chet Holmgren, the No. 1 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, is expected to keep his name on the roster soon. How cool it would be, as well, if veteran Andrew Nemhard liked to stick around and serve as the primary point guard.
2. UCLA
End 2020-21: 22–10, final four
Overview: Coach Mick Cronin made a point several times during the tournament that Bruce was leading without a senior in his roster. Does this mean that everyone, or most everyone, will return for a shot of greater glory in 2022? If they do so, there should still be an upgrade in the depth and perimeter shooting of the frontcourt. It had to be thought about how the Bruins competed in the 2021 NCAA tournament and how they reacted to their elimination, followed by what viewers saw would be an even more attractive destination.
3. Purpose
End 2020-21: 18-10, NCAA First Round
Overview: If Travian Williams prefers to play in the second season of college, it becomes a strong national championship contender. A little more shooting won’t hurt; The boilers were kept from advancing to the 2021 NCAA tournament. But Jaden Ivey is going to be a star, and has a tremendous core of young role players.
4. West Virginia
End 2020-21: 19-10, NCAA in second round
Overview: It is a chance to be one of the most capable teams for Huggins’ return in a decade (2009-10) or two (1999-2000). The most important players are All-Big 12 forward Derek Klaver and scoring star Miles McBride. If he and his companions return, Morgentown may be stopped once again next winter. If they too add to the roster, however, it will likely be through the better side of the transfer portal.
5. Maryland
End 2020-21: 17–14, NCAA in second round
Overview: Maybe the only events that had better months than the Terps were the squad leading up to the final four. Maryland received commitments from two ready-made starters, Guard Fats Russell of Rhode Island, and Center Cudus Wahab of Georgetown. If the Tarps retain the rest of their group, they may be claimants for a legal title.
6. Texas
End 2020-21: 19-8, NCAA First Round
Overview: Welcome to Texas, Chris Beard. Great expectations start immediately, depending on how many rosters you are able to maintain. There are veterans in the backcourt and up front who could push the Longhorns into college basketball’s elite, where there will be an NCAA Tournament feat.
7. Villanova
End 2020-21: 18-7, sweet 16
Overview: The Wildcats continued to dominate the Big East, seemingly not ending soon after the league was rescheduled before the 2013–14 season as they won or shared seven of eight regular season titles. Guard Justin Moore is positioned as the next star of the program. His frontcourt will require work, moving to the NBA and Cole Swider under the leadership of Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. J. Wright figures to find a way.
8. Kansas
End 2020-21: 21-9, NCAA in second round
Overview: It will be an interesting mix of old and new on the Jayhawks roster. His only transfer to date is former Division II star, Cameron of Missouri Southern. He signed two four-star forwards and one four-star point guard, meaning depth would likely be strong. But he would need 2021 starters the most to choose this position.
9. Michigan State
End 2020-21: 15–13, NCAA First Four
Overview: The Spartans’ ability to become a fluid, work unit was influenced by the clash of rocket guards and to flourish in the role of a point guard. He still had a truckload of talent, and it made the season disappointing for everyone to get involved. Northeast transfer Tyson Walker could solve the problem with the way Mike Smith managed the point at Michigan.
10. Duke
End 2020-21: 13–11, no NCAA tournament
Overview: The most enjoyable development of the Blue Devils season was the play of freshman elder Mark Williams. So now the Devils will have five-star fresher Paolo Banchero to join the upcoming game, possibly to come. AJ Griffin has a five-star wing prospect. Even with the loss of new guard DJ Steward, there are capable young players on the perimeter. Mike Krazyvski would point out that 2021 was an aberration.
Bender: Baylor’s Championship is a Texas-sized storybook finish
11. Michigan
End 2020-21: 23-5, Elite Eight
12. Boiler
End 2020-21: 28–2, NCAA champions
13. Florida State
End 2020-21: 18-7, sweet 16
14. Virginia Tech
End 2020-21: 15-7, NCAA First Round
15. Ohio State
End 2020-21: 21-10, NCAA First Round
16. Tennessee
End 2020-21: 18-9, NCAA First Round
17. Kentucky
End 2020-21: 9-16, no NCAA tournament
18. Houston
End 2020-21: 28-4, Final Four
19. LSU
End 2020-21: 19–10, NCAA in second round
20. St. Bonventure
End 2020-21: 16-5, NCAA First Round
21. Oregon
End 2020-21: 21-7, sweet 16
22. Connecticut
End 2020-21: 15-8, NCAA First Round
23. Syracuse
End 2020-21: 18-10, sweet 16
24. Arkansas
End 2020-21: 25-7, Elite Eight
25. Drake
End 2020-21: 26-5, NCAA First Round
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